Graduation Spotlight: Hernandez Morales finds her ‘voice’ on Lipscomb’s stage

Graduation Spotlight: Hernandez Morales finds her 'voice' on Lipscomb's stage

Kim Chaudoin | 04/22/2025

When Sofia Hernandez Morales first set foot on Lipscomb University's campus four years ago, she was thousands of miles from her hometown of Mexico City - but something about this community felt exactly right.

"I was trying to find a really good acting program that also gave a well-rounded education in theater," said Hernandez Morales, an acting major with a directing minor who will graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in May. "Lipscomb was a mix of everything I was looking for. It was actually someone helping me look for schools who pointed me here after hearing what I wanted. It felt random at the time-but it turned out to be exactly where I needed to be."

Hernandez Morales is the first international student accepted into Lipscomb's theater program, housed in the George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts, and she has made the most of her time on and off the stage. She's acted, stage managed,and directed - playing "Hero" in Much Ado About Nothing, serving as stage manager for Cats, and directing Antigone in Munich, her first full production.

But her journey into theater began long before Lipscomb.

"I always knew I wanted to do something artistic," she said. "I danced for a big part of my life, but didn't love it. When I was 11, my mom signed me up for a musical theater after-school class, and I fell in love with it. I knew then I wanted to act for the rest of my life."

Directing came later - but it made an equally strong impact.

"I didn't know I loved directing until I took my first directing class-it was required for my acting track. I fell in love with it because it let me think about the whole story, not just one character. You get to shape the vision. It's powerful."

Her passion for storytelling extended beyond the stage. Hernandez Morales appeared in numerous Lipscomb student films and also participated in off-campus productions during her time in Nashville. She's currently completing an internship with Nashville Repertory Theatre.

While theater has taken up much of her time - often with daily rehearsals from 6 to 10 p.m. - she made space for other meaningful experiences. "Because theater is so demanding, I tried to take as many different classes as I could," she said. "I took several Bible courses and a social work class that really challenged my worldview. I even had the opportunity to travel to Israel with one of my classes. That trip changed my life."

Faith was a key reason she chose Lipscomb, and she says the university helped her grow spiritually in ways she didn't expect.

"My faith is the most important thing to me," she said. "I wanted to be at a Christian university, and Lipscomb has helped me grow so much. The professors and classes pushed me to really think about my beliefs-why I believe what I believe. That growth has shaped not just my life, but my art and the stories I want to tell."

Being far from home has brought its challenges especially when many of her peers could simply drive home for a weekend. But she's felt deeply supported.

"My family has always been there for me, especially my parents. They've been so supportive," she said. "Being the first international student in the theater program meant that sometimes I had to wait longer to get answers because no one had asked those questions before. But, I'm proud of that."

As she looks toward graduation, Hernandez Morales said she is keeping her plans flexible - open to graduate school, acting opportunities or her next chance to direct.

"All I know is that I'm excited," she said. "I feel ready. My professors gave me everything I need to succeed, and I'm looking forward to using those skills in the real world. I'll take every opportunity that comes my way."

Learn more about Lipscomb's Department of Theatre.